A truly memorable setting for wedding celebrations of all sizes, Cirencester's Ingleside House is a popular choice for Cotswolds couples tying the knot.
SoGlos sits down with West End star and bride, Djalenga Scott, to hear all about her dreamy wedding day at Ingleside, from choosing the venue, to the big day itself – and why she'd recommend it to anyone.
The lowdown
The happy couple: Djalenga Scott and Jonny Fines, both West End musical theatre performers, and film and TV actors, who first met on the stage.
Wedding date: Wednesday 17 August 2022
Ceremony and reception venue: Ingleside House
The venue
Set on the edge of Cirencester, this 18th-century, Grade II-listed hotel and venue boasts a range of event spaces for those intimate, personal moments, or for hitting the dance floor surrounded by friends and family – with its classic Cotswold stone exterior and bold, Art Deco-inspired interior combining to create a stunning backdrop for the big day.
Its luxury guest rooms make for stylish spaces for getting ready or staying the night, while its food and drink offering and service is equally special, with chic dining and award-winning cocktails provided by Ingleside's neighbouring bar and restaurant, Téatro.
With its theatrical interiors – and location right next door to one of the UK's leading independent producing theatres, The Barn – it was perfectly fitting for actors and West End musical theatre performers, Djalenga and Jonny, for their wedding back in 2022.
The details
Djalenga – tell us a bit about yourself and your husband, Jonny.
We both work in musical theatre. Jonny is originally from Loughborough, while I grew up in Portugal. We met performing in the musical Annie together and, a few years later, found ourselves doing the show again in the West End. By then I was pregnant with our daughter, Bailey, so she was onstage with us too, even if she was still in my tummy!
How did you get engaged?
Jonny proposed at home in our kitchen, and it was perfect. He pretended he’d set up the camera to take a family photo of the three of us. Bailey was wearing a T-shirt covered in all her favourite things, spelling out 'Will you marry me?' She turned towards me to show me, and when I looked round, Jonny was behind me with the ring. Having Bailey be part of it made it so special, and the camera captured the whole moment.
Why did you choose to have your wedding at Ingleside House?
A very good friend recommended Ingleside House to us. I went to have a look and immediately fell in love with it. I told Jonny it was the perfect place and that we had to get married there.
It felt right for the kind of day we wanted: something intimate and personal, followed by a big party with everyone we love.
What was your experience of working with the Ingleside team?
The team were lovely throughout. We had a get-together at Ingleside the night before, which was such a nice way to begin the celebrations. On the wedding day, everyone looked after us so well and made the whole experience feel relaxed and special. They brought the day we’d imagined to life.
Tell us about the big day itself.
It was honestly the best day ever. We had our ceremony in one of the beautiful rooms upstairs, followed by a lovely intimate meal. The food was delicious. The weather was great, and later we moved to the Pavilion for a bigger party with a buffet, live music and a DJ. Everyone was on the dance floor.
We stayed at Ingleside that night, as did lots of our guests, and everyone was raving about it afterwards. The whole day was full of love and laughter. We couldn’t have asked for more.
What would you say to couples thinking of getting married at Ingleside House?
I would absolutely recommend it. It’s a beautiful venue, the food was fantastic, and the team made us feel so well looked after. We loved being able to have an intimate meal and then a brilliant big party, all in one place. It really was our dream day.
For more information about weddings at Ingleside House, check out SoGlos's Gloucestershire wedding venues guide, or head to inglesidehouse.co.uk/best-country-wedding-venues.
